Your own backyard may be the only pharmacy you need

A few years ago, I was lucky enough to sit and listen to a Mayan elder speak at a gathering on the Kitigan Zibi Anishnabeg reservation in Maniwaki.

The elder was teaching us about nature and the endless variety of plants, flowers and trees that can be used to assist with and heal numerous health problems.

Of all the things I learned that day, there is one thing that elder said that still remains with me to this day.

He reminded us that all land is sacred and we must remember to tread as carefully and softly as we can on this earth. He said if you go into your backyard, the place where you plant your two feet is surrounded by healing plants that Mother Earth has provided for us to heal ourselves.

"The small area upon which you are standing is full of life-giving, healing medicines," he stated. "You can find dozens of healing medicines right under your feet and these can be used to heal you and keep your body, mind and spirit healthy. The earth provides for her children. She always has. No matter what damage we do to her, she reminds us of her love for us by continuing to provide for us and ensure our survival."

The elder said we can never doubt the healing power of the medicinal plants, trees, flowers and herb that can be found right under our feet. He said while many of these plants and trees are being eliminated in favour of development, one only needs to visit the forests and bushland to be reminded of how much Mother Earth loves us.

"Spend some time in nature," he encouraged us. "Remember that all land is sacred. Even the land that is now covered with pavement and tall buildings is sacred, because of what lies underneath. Tread softly. Tread carefully. Be humble and give thanks. Treat each step as if it were a prayer."

Those words inspired me to learn more about the plants, trees, flowers and herbs on my own property so I might be fortunate enough to know their healing powers and their benefit to my family's health.

I am going to share with you some of the things I have learned on my journey. Much of the information I am going to share with you is about plants, trees, herbs and flowers that can be found growing around you own property and forests.

Dandelions

Although this lovely little weed has now been reduced to the status of a suburban pest, you may very well want to think twice before you eradicate these yellow lovelies from your lawns.

For centuries, dandelion has ranked among the most potent herbal remedies.

Sliced dandelion roots can be used to make topical antiseptics for wounds, sores and inflammation in the mouth.

Use the leaves to brew a tea that can cleanse the kidneys, bladder and spleen. The tea can also help relieve pneumonia, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

As a food, dandelions are hard to beat. The leaves and roots can be eaten raw or boiled. They are highly nutritious and can supply us with huge amounts of iron, potassium, phosphorous and vitamins A, B, C and D. The flowers can also be eaten and are valued for their lecithin content, which can help treat a variety of liver problems.

It is also very rich in calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis. It also contains boron and silicon, valuable trace minerals that play important roles in the bone preserving process.

Dandelion has so many medicinal uses, it is impossible to list them all here.

Goldenrod

First Nations used goldenrod to help heal a variety of problems and every part of the plant was used. The roots can be made in to poultices to treat boils and burns or chewed to relieve toothaches.
The flowers can be mashed to make a lotion for soothing bee stings and localized swelling. A tea from the leaves can treat a variety of ailments including asthma, colic, headache and measles.

Goldenrod can also be used to treat bladder, gallbladder and kidney problems.

Juniper

Juniper berries were once so widely used for healing that the bush became known as "the healing tree." Juniper berry tea can be used to treat bladder infections and to relieve upset stomachs. The tea can also be used as an antiseptic to clean wounds.

Oil made from the branches and berries can be used to massage sore joints and muscles and also serves as an excellent insect repellent.

Researchers have now learned that juniper berries contain a compound that appears to inhibit a number of viruses, including those that cause herpes and the flu.

Milkweed

Raw milkweed root can be chewed as a treatment for asthma, bronchitis, pleurisy and general congestion. A tea made by boiling the seeds in milk can relieve diarrhea.

When pounded into a poultice, the fresh roots can be applied to swelling, bruises and snakebites. The juice from the plant can be used to help treat warts.

Mullein

A mullein poultice on the forehead can relieve a headache and can also treat swelling, bruises, burns and other wounds.

The fuzzy leaves of the plant can be inserted in shoes and boots to help keep your feet warm in cold weather.

Stinging nettle

I have an abundance of this stuff growing all over my property and though it's painful to touch, it can relieve a number of ailments.

To help relieve the pain of arthritis, long spring of nettle can be used to swat the affected joints, trading joint pain for the sting of the nettle's prickly needles.

Boiling the root makes a soothing lotion and antiseptic poultices can be made from the plants leaves.

The plant can also be boiled and eaten, once the stinging needles are softened. Nettle is highly nutritious, as it contains high levels of boron, a mineral that can help ease the pain of arthritis.

Pine

I've had occasion to use pine gum as a poultice for my husband, who cut his hand badly chopping wood.

You can make chewing gum from the resin as well and that gum is good for easing the pain of a sore throat.

Pine needles can be crushed and made into a paste for an aromatic cure for headaches.

Plantain

Take a walk in the grass and you're sure to find plantain.

As a tea, it can sure bladder and kidney problems, bed-wetting in children, lower back pain, heavy menstrual flow and respiratory problems such as asthma, coughs and congestion.

Plantain has the ability to lower cholesterol and control weight.

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The truth is, I could go on and on listing the numerous health benefits of the many plants, herbs, flowers and trees we have in the region. I have used some of these remedies to treat myself and my family and have found them to be very effective.

It makes me feel good to know I have everything I need in my backyard to treat headaches, wounds, diarrhea and aches and pains without having to rely on western medicine all the time.

It may be a lot easier to pop a pill for a headache, but I take great comfort in knowing I can get the same result from a plant, herb, flower or tree and know exactly what I am putting into my body.

It's taken me a few years to become good at picking, drying and preparing Mother Nature's bounty for use in my home and I admit: it's not for everyone. But just knowing that Mother Earth has provided all these amazing medicines for us gives me a great sense of comfort.

So next time your about to spray weed killer on those dandelions or pull up all the nettles in the yard, remember these "pests" can be used to treat a variety of ailments and were put there by Mother Nature for that exact purpose.